RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Dresden Corneal Disease and Treatment Study

This study aims to understand the long-term effectiveness of treatments and diagnostic methods for eye conditions that affect the cornea, such as keratoconus. These conditions can cause the front of the eye to thin, steepen, and become irregular, leading to blurry vision. Doctors perform treatments like corneal cross-linking to prevent vision loss. This research helps evaluate if these treatments successfully stop the condition from worsening and if they keep the cornea stable. It also looks at various detailed eye scans and measurements to improve how these conditions are diagnosed and monitored. The goal is to ensure patients receive the best care and to reduce the need for more serious operations like corneal transplants.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Technische Universität Dresden

Enrolment target

700

Start

12 Mar 2018

Estimated completion

31 Dec 2030

Corneal Ectasia Corneal Disease Corneal Astigmatism Keratoconus Keratopathy

What is this study about?

This research, called the Dresden Corneal Disease and Treatment Study, is designed to keep a close eye on people who have certain eye conditions that affect the 'cornea'. The cornea is the clear, front part of your eye, like a window, that helps you see clearly. Conditions like 'corneal ectasia' and 'keratoconus' cause this window to gradually become thinner, steeper, and more irregular, which can make your vision blurry and difficult to correct with glasses.

Doctors often perform a treatment called 'corneal cross-linking' for these conditions. This treatment aims to strengthen the cornea and stop the condition from getting worse. This study wants to follow patients for a long time after such treatments. By doing this, researchers can see how well the treatments work in the long run, if they successfully keep the cornea stable, and if they help to avoid more serious operations like corneal transplants. They also want to understand the best ways to diagnose these conditions early and track their progress.

The study also involves looking at many different measurements and scans of the eye. This includes checking things like your age, vision, family history, and any previous eye operations. They'll use advanced imaging techniques, like special types of eye scans, to get a detailed picture of your cornea's shape and strength. All this information helps doctors learn more about these conditions and improve the care they provide to patients in the future.

Key takeaways

The study observes long-term outcomes for corneal conditions like keratoconus.
It aims to improve understanding of existing treatments and diagnosis methods.
Participation involves regular eye check-ups and detailed scans over time.
It focuses on understanding how the cornea changes and stabilizes after treatment.
The study helps healthcare professionals provide better care for future patients.
It does not involve new experimental drugs or surgical procedures.

Who may be eligible?

To be considered for this study, you need to have a corneal disease, such as keratoconus or corneal ectasia. These are conditions where the clear front part of your eye (the cornea) isn't shaped quite right.

There are a few reasons why someone might not be able to join. You must be at least 18 years old and no older than 65. Also, if you are pregnant, unfortunately, you won't be able to take part in this particular study. The study includes both men and women who fit the age and condition requirements.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Do you have a corneal disease or condition like keratoconus?
Are you between 18 and 65 years old?
Are you not currently pregnant?
Do you have any existing eye conditions beyond corneal disease?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you take part in this study, you will have regular check-ups and eye tests over a long period. These will involve various detailed examinations of your eyes, including multiple types of eye scans and measurements. Some of these tests might include checking your vision, taking images of your eye's surface and deeper layers, and measuring the strength of your cornea. The study aims to follow how your eye condition progresses and how well any treatments you might have received are working over time. The researchers will also collect information about your medical history, any medications you take, and your family history. There isn't a specific drug or new treatment being given for this study; it's more about observing and collecting data on existing conditions and treatments to understand their long-term effects.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study will not involve new experimental treatments, but rather ongoing observation of your existing condition and treatments you may have already received. The main potential benefit is that your regular, detailed eye checks could help monitor your condition closely, potentially catching any changes early. Your contribution will also provide valuable information that can help improve care for future patients with similar eye conditions. Any eye tests performed are generally safe and routine. However, as with any medical checks, there's always a very small chance of minor discomfort during some procedures. You are always free to withdraw from the study at any time without needing to give a reason, and without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

Department of Ophthalmology; Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus; Technical University Dresden
Verified postcode
Dresden, Germany· Recruiting

Common questions

What is the main goal of this study?

The main goal is to follow people with corneal conditions like keratoconus over a long time to see how well their treatments work and how the disease progresses.

Is this study testing a new medicine?

No, this study is not testing new medicines or treatments. It's observing how current common treatments and diagnoses work over the long term.

Will I have to pay to be in this study?

Information about costs is not provided, but generally, participation in clinical trials does not involve personal cost for the study-related procedures.

What happens if I want to leave the study early?

You are free to leave the study at any point without needing a reason, and it will not affect the care you receive from your doctor.

What is 'corneal cross-linking'?

Corneal cross-linking is a treatment that helps to strengthen the cornea (the front of your eye) and stop conditions like keratoconus from getting worse.

How to find out more

Robert Herber, MSc

robert.herber@uniklinikum-dresden.de 004935145815091 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.